“I think it’s important that we do this in a professional way,” Reiter said, explaining how ministry staffers are currently reviewing the government’s approach to the drug before providing recommendations.

A written analysis by Dr. Megan Clark at the Women’s Health Centre (WHC) in Regina has been submitted to the Ministry of Health. The findings state Mifegymiso saves $450 per abortion, compared to abortions conducted surgically.

Story continues below advertisement

“If we are giving women reproductive choice, we need to give them the best medical option available,” Clark said.

Other non-surgical abortions are already available, but Mifegymiso extends the eligible gestation period beyond seven weeks to 10 weeks.

In one year, the WHC performed 93 abortions with Mifegymiso for women from seven to nine weeks gestation, meaning nearly $42,000 in health care savings, according to the analysis.

The study assumes the Saskatchewan government would cover 100 per cent of the cost of Mifegymiso. Other savings are possible since Health Canada no longer requires ultrasounds for abortions.